Transmission Network Expansion Planning under Wind Farm Uncertainties Using Cuckoo Search Algorithm

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of wind power generation uncertainty on transmission expansion planning (TEP) problem. Cuckoo search algorithm (CSA) is used as the optimization tool to solve the TEP problem in a network with wind power plants. CSA is a metaheuristic technique to solve constrained optimization problems with a few control parameters. Garver test system, a well-known case study for TEP problems, is used to analyse the wind generation effect on transmission expansion planning and also to validate CSA for solving of TEP problems. A graph theory based method is also employed to detect the islanding condition of the network during optimization process. Results show that the wind generation intermittency can increase the investment cost of TEP. The results also validate CSA as a promising approach for solving of TEP problems.